Overview

As part of the HR clergy team reporting to the HR Manager-Clergy, you will have a major input into developing national policy, affecting the pay and conditions of the 11,000 clergy in the Church of England. You will be involved in carrying out consultations, reviewing policy, proposing changes to legislation, and obtaining agreement to guidance and advice. You will also be member of a larger HR department which provides HR support for 500 employees at the National Church Institutions, and a national recruiting service for the Church of England.

Post Introduction

The Clergy HR team reports to the Remuneration and Conditions of Service Committee, which is responsible for consulting on and drafting policy for the pay and conditions of clergy and making recommendations to the dioceses, Archbishops’ Council and General Synod. The work requires an ability to respond to changing legislative and financial conditions and see the policy implications, a high degree of collaboration with colleagues and interested parties, a good grasp of sometimes complex and technical detail, excellent written and oral communications skills and an ability to manage consultation and approval processes.

Main Responsibilities

To draft consultations, papers, guidance, policies and other supporting material as directed by the HR Manager-Clergy and other colleagues

To carry out research, obtaining relevant data and technical advice from colleagues, identify key information from a number of sources, and analyse data and consultation results to determine policy questions and support recommendations

To assist the work of RACSC and other decision-making bodies, by planning and arranging meetings, preparing agendas papers and minutes, presenting papers and following up on agreed actions

To carry out consultations with a variety of stakeholders to a timetable and make recommendations in the light of these

To build strong relationships with a range of stakeholders, respond promptly to concerns, and provide accurate advice when required, referring questions to other colleagues when appropriate, and identifying potential policy issues

To collaborate with colleagues in other NCI Departments on work that affects several departments and contribute to cross-departmental initiatives to carry out the Archbishops’ Council’s objectives

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

Skills/Aptitudes:

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and in writing, and the ability to adapt communication style for a range of audiences and purposes

Strong research and analysis skills which will enable you to identify and obtain key information from a range of sources and apply it to the development of policy

The ability to understand, interpret and explain a range of complex and technical issues, with a strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy

Knowledge/Experience:

A high degree of numeracy and Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word

Experience of devising imaginative solutions to problems and spotting opportunities to simplify and streamline work, deliver strategic objectives, and integrate and clarify policy

An awareness of governance issues and the importance of understanding organisational structures when dealing with projects requiring consultation and the input and approval of multiple stakeholders

Personal Attributes:

Interested in developing and reviewing policies, guidance and terms of service that will enable people to be effective in their roles

Collaborative and able to work well with colleagues from a range of other departments

Sympathetic, with good listening skills and able to detect underlying issues and respond to and understand feedback

Desirable

Willingness to undertake external study to obtain membership of the CIPD

Experience of carrying out consultations, requesting relevant information, and dealing with ambiguity

Experience of carrying out a committee secretariat role including producing agendas, papers and minutes